"Than,
you give me leave to bring her to her knees in humility before you?"
Malum leaned forward, setting hus hand on the throne's armrest, close
enough for Felix to smell the smoke scent wafting off of him.

Andromeda smelled like smoke too, but more of the smoke of burned incense instead of the woodsy, choking smell of the dragons.

"I said I did not care, do as you please, just don't kill her. We need her alive"

Felix waved his hand at the dragon, who smiled.

it wasn't much of an improvement, but oh well.

"Thank you, good king"

Malum left, and Felix had to wonder if the tone had implied sarcasm on the 'good king' part.

No, not another blasted riddle.

"I
hate riddles, I should have outlawed them" he groaned as his head,
which was beginning to throb, was lowered back into his hands.